College group seeks gay young-adult leaders for national award

From CampusPride.org, "a national nonprofit for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network "for" and "by" student leaders. The primary objective of Campus Pride is to develop necessary resources, programs and services to support LGBT and ally students on college campuses across the United States."

Campus Pride Launches National Voice & Action Award to Recognize Young Adult Leaders across the United States

Campus Pride (www.campuspride.org) launches the Voice & Action National Leadership Award, an honorary recognition highlighting the extraordinary contributions of young adult leaders at colleges and universities across the United States. Never has there been a national award focused solely on the work of undergraduate college students who are creating positive change for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally issues. The application process is open until December 1, 2008.

“To be a leader in our movement, you do not need to be in charge of a national nonprofit organization or be on a board of directors raising thousands of dollars. Young adults have always been a force locally in communities and on college campuses creating systemic, long term change -- but seldom are they recognized for their efforts nationally,” said Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride. “The Voice & Action Award finally gives visible national recognition where it has long been overdue.”

According to Windmeyer, the Voice & Action National Leadership Award is meant to underscore the mission of Campus Pride – “to develop, support and give voice and action in building future LGBT and ally leaders.” The award is bestowed upon individuals who use their “voice” to speak up and who take “action” to make a positive difference. Every academic year in the Spring, Campus Pride plans to honor at least one outstanding young adult in each region of the country with the Voice & Action National Leadership Award. Recipients will be recognized during one of the three regional LGBT and ally college conferences – the Midwest, the NorthEast and the West Coast.

The Campus Pride national recognition includes a free registration to attend the regional conference and the Voice & Action Award itself. The award program is made possible this year through the Campus Pride corporate partner Cargill. As a special bonus to the honorary recognition, OUTmedia (www.outmedia.org) has also partnered with Campus Pride to offer a free artist or speaker of the recipient’s choice to bring to his/her campus the following year. Artists and speakers include LZ Granderson, Team Gina, Vidur Kapur, Jason Stuart, Marga Gomez, Ari Gold, Eddie Sarfaty and Emanuel Xavier. OUTmedia is nationally known for its work in the arts as a queer cultural activist organization and social enterprise promoting LGBT and ally visibility.

"OUTmedia is proud to support Campus Pride and to have our diverse roster of speakers and artists pay tribute to young adult leaders in this special way. Our artists and speakers believe in promoting inclusion and multiculturalism – recognizing all aspects of our community,” said Shelly Weiss, founder/owner of OUTmedia.

For more details and to download the application, please go online to www.campuspride.org/voiceandaction, email info@campuspride.org or contact Campus Pride staff at 704-277-6710. Any current undergraduate student enrolled at an U.S. accredited institution and in good academic standing is eligible to apply for the award. A completed application must be received on/before deadline of December 1, 2008. Recipients will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of student leaders and a diversity of national representatives on LGBT issues. Notification of award recipients will happen by January 12, 2009.

Believe In -- Campus Pride. Campus Pride is the leading national nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) for student leaders and campus organizations working to create safer, more LGBT-friendly colleges and universities. It exists to give "voice and action" in building future LGBT and ally leaders. More info online at www.campuspride.org.